ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
PM launches Ayushman Bharat - PMJAY at Ranchi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today launched the health assurance scheme: Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana - at Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The Prime Minister visited an exhibition on the scheme, before arriving on the dais to launch PMJAY at a huge public gathering.
At the same event, the Prime Minister unveiled plaques to lay the Foundation Stone for medical colleges at Chaibasa and Koderma. He also inaugurated 10 Health and Wellness Centres.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that this launch has been done with a vision to provide the poorest of the poor, and the underprivileged sections of society, with better healthcare and treatment. He said this scheme, which envisions health assurance of 5 lakh rupees per family per year, will benefit over 50 crore people, and is the world's biggest health assurance scheme. He said the number of beneficiaries of this scheme is roughly equal to the population of the European Union, or the population of America, Canada and Mexico, taken together.
He said the first part of Ayushman Bharat - the health and wellness centres, was launched on BabasahebAmbedkar's birth anniversary, and the second part - the health assurance scheme, is being launched two days before DeendayalUpadhyay's birth anniversary.
Explaining how comprehensive the PMJAY is, the Prime Minister said it would cover 1300 illnesses, including serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. He said private hospitals too would be part of this scheme.
The Prime Minister said that the amount of 5 lakhs would cover all investigations, medicine, pre-hospitalization expenses etc. He said it would also cover pre-existing illnesses. He said that people can learn more about the scheme by dialling 14555, or through their Common Service Centre.
The Prime Minister said that for the States that are a part of PMJAY, people can get the benefit of the scheme in whichever of these States they go to. He said more than 13,000 hospitals across the country have joined the scheme so far.
The Prime Minister also spoke of the 10 health and wellness centres inaugurated today. He said the number of such centres across the country has reached 2300. He said the aim is to have 1.5 lakh such centres in India within four years.
The Prime Minister said that the Union Government is working with a holistic approach to improve the health sector in the country. He said the focus is on both "Affordable Healthcare" and "Preventive Healthcare."
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that through the efforts of all those involved with PMJAY, and the dedication of the doctors, nurses, healthcare providers, ASHAs, ANMs etc, the scheme would become a success.
AKT/VJ
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Department of Atomic Energy
Involvement of Foreign Companies in Indian Nuclear Sector
Several foreign companies from various countries including Westinghouse Electric Company  and GE-Hitachi, United States of America , Electricite de France , France and Rosatom, Russia have shown interest in participating in the country’s nuclear power projects in various capacities as technology partners, suppliers, contractors, service providers, etc.
As per the Foreign Direct Investment  Policy of the Government, FDI is not permitted in nuclear power sector. Thus, foreign companies cannot invest in nuclear power. Nuclear power projects to be set up with foreign technical cooperation are planned to be funded by a mix of equity and debt, with equity to be mobilised from internal resources of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited , Joint Venture companies between NPCIL and other Central Public Sector Undertakings and Government budgetary support. Foreign companies can however, invest in the supply chain for nuclear power projects.
The present tariffs of nuclear power range from Rs 1.07 per unit in case of the oldest nuclear power station, Tarapur Atomic Power Station  - 1&2 at Tarapur, Maharashtra to Rs 4.10 in case of the latest station, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant  -1&2 at Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu. Nuclear power tariffs are comparable to those from other electricity generating plants  located in the same area. Every twin unit nuclear power station would generate a direct employment of about 850 comprising engineers, supervisors, technicians and other personnel. In addition, indirect employment for thousands of people would be generated with suppliers, contractors, service providers, etc. The resultant increase in economic activity would also open up opportunities for various businesses and will result in further employment generation.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
CBDT notifies Rule for determination of value of perquisite in respect of residential accommodation provided by employer
The Finance Act, 2023 brought in an amendment for the purposes of calculation of “perquisite” with regard to the value of rent-free or concessional accommodation provided to an employee, by his employer. Accordingly, CBDT has modified Rule 3 of the Income-tax Rules, 1961 to provide for the same.
The categorisation and the limits of cities and population have now been based on the 2011 census as against the 2001 census earlier. The revised limits of population are 40 lakh in place of 25 lakh and 15 lakh in place of 10 lakh. The earlier perquisite rates of 15%, 10% and 7.5% of the salary have now been reduced to 10%, 7.5% and 5% of the salary respectively in the amended Rule. This is summarised as under:
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Previous Categorisation and Rates
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New Categorisation and Rates
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Population
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Perquisite Rate
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Population
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Perquisite Rate
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More than 25 lakh
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15%
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More than 40 lakh
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10%
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Between 10 lakh and 25 lakh
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10%
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Between 15 lakh and 40 lakh
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7.5%
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Less than 10 lakh
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7.5%
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Less than 15 lakh
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5%
The Rule has also been further rationalised so as to compute a fair tax implication of the same accommodation being occupied by an employee for more than one previous year.
Notification No. 65/2023 dated 18th August, 2023 has been published and is available at https://egazette.nic.in.
President's Secretariat
Telephone conversation between President of India and President of Turkmenistan
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, received a telephone call today  from His Excellency Mr Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan.
The leaders acknowledged the warm and cordial relations between the two countries underpinned by historical and civilizational links. They noted with satisfaction the sustained momentum of cooperation in diverse areas.
The leaders agreed on the immense potential that exists in trade and economic spheres and noted the success of joint collaboration between Indian and Turkmen companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
The President thanked the President of Turkmenistan for his telephone call and for his personal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with India.
Prime Minister's Office
PM releases 2 part book series on M.S. Swaminathan: The Quest for a world without hunger
PM releases 2 part book series on M.S. Swaminathan: The Quest for a world without hunger
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today released a two-part book series on the eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. The series is titled - M.S. Swaminathan: The Quest for a world without hunger. Several Union Ministers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister recalled how the Soil Health Card initiative had been started in consultation with Prof. Swaminathan, during the Prime Minister’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.
Praising the dedication and commitment of Prof. Swaminathan, the Prime Minister described him as a “Kisan Vaigyanik” – Farmers’ Scientist; rather than just a “Krishi Vaigyanik” – Agricultural Scientist. The Prime Minister said that Prof. Swaminathan’s speciality is that his work has been grounded in practical reality. He also appreciated the simplicity of Prof. Swaminathan.
Talking about challenges in the agricultural sector today, the Prime Minister said that the success in agriculture needs to be extended to eastern India; and scientific and technological interventions are required to make this a reality.
The Prime Minister said a combination of modern scientific methods and traditional agricultural knowledge would bring about the best possible results. Giving examples from some States, he said each district in India should have its own “Agri-Identity.” He said this can boost the marketing process, and help develop agri-clusters, on the lines of industrial clusters.
The Prime Minister spoke of the target of doubling farm incomes by 2022, and said this requires a targeted approach in several key areas. He noted with satisfaction that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is finding much higher acceptance among farmers, than previous agricultural insurance schemes. He said this will help increase the risk-taking ability of farmers, and facilitate the process of taking innovation from “Lab to Land.”
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan thanked the Prime Minister for his words, and appreciated his vision. He emphasized the importance of synergy between technology and public policy.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of an Agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of an Agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.
The agreement covers various activities in the field of agriculture and allied sector including exchange of information on the current situation in agriculture, the phytosanitary conditions of crops, threats posed by harmful organisms and the threats posed by animal infectious diseases. It also covers the participation in fairs, exhibitions, seminars and conferences related to agriculture and agri-food processing; undertaking and developing joint economic initiatives including the support or agrifood trade between the states of the Contracting Parties.
The Agreement provides for constitution of a Joint Working Group  comprising of representatives from both countries. The JWG will prepare plans of cooperation and to provide solutions to the problems arising during the implementation of the Agreement.
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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Launches Nationwide plantation Drive to mark the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
Nagpur, 17 July 2022
Under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, National Highway Authority of India organized a nationwide plantation drive and planted around 1.25 lakh saplings in one day through simultaneous plantations at 114 identified locations. Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari launched the nation wide plantation drive in Nagpur today.
The Minister planted a sapling in presence of VC, RTMNU, Director LIT, Advisor NHAI, media and citizens.
NHAI’s aim is to achieve 75 lakh plantations till 15th August 2022 to mark the Amrit Mahotsav,celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence.
To mark the occasion, the Minister has also launched the program digitally. In his inaugural speech, the Minister explained the efforts of plantation taken by his ministry and exhorted people to come forward and participate in the initiative, highlighting the need of curbing rising pollution.
To maintain transparency in plantation, a digital app, Haritpath is in place showing the actual photo and location of the plants.
So far the NHAI has planted 2.75 crores plants. In 2021-22, NHAI had planted 72 lakh plants while during this year 75 lakhs plants will be planted. The officials of NHAI, NH PWD, members of Green Foundation, Alumni Association of LIT took part in the event.
Advisor NHAI Shri Jain , Social Forestry officials, NHAI officials, Oriental officials and Members of NGO Nishchay, Kalpvriksha, and School students participated in plantation at Jamtha on NH 44.PIB Mumbai | DL/DR
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Prime Minister's Office
Yoga remains ray of hope in Covid-hit world, says PM Modi
Frontline Corona warriors made Yoga their shield: PM
On the occasion of seventh International yoga day, The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi talked of Yoga’s role during the pandemic. He said Yoga has proved a source strength and poise for people during this difficult time. He pointed out that it was easy for countries to forget Yoga Day during the pandemic as it is not intrinsic to their culture but, instead, enthusiasm for Yoga has increased globally.
One of key ingredient of yoga is fortitude in the face of adversity. When pandemic appeared, no one was ready from the point of view of capabilities, resources or mental toughness. Yoga helped people to muster confidence and strength to fight with the pandemic world over.
The Prime Minister recalled how frontline Corona warriors made Yoga their shield and made themselves strong through yoga and how people, doctors nurses took to Yoga to deal with the effects of the virus. Instances of yoga sessions conducted by doctors and nurses in the hospitals appeared everywhere. The Prime Minister noted experts are stressing the importance of breathing exercises like pranayama and anulom-vilom for strengthening our respiratory system.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Nominations for Sardar Patel National Unity Award-2020 extended till 15th August 2020
The online nomination process for Sardar Patel National Unity Award, the highest civilian award in the field of contribution to the unity and integrity of India, has now been extended till 15.08.2020. The nominations are being received online in the Ministry of Home Affairs website https://nationalunityawards.mha.gov.in.
Government of India has instituted the award in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Award seeks to recognize notable and inspiring contributions to promote the cause of national unity and integrity and to reinforce the value of a strong and united India.
The decoration of the Award is given below:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 124.96 Cr
More than 80.35 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.35%
9,765 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Case load stands at 99,763
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 1% for last 18 days
With the administration of 80,35,261vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 124.96 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,29,79,828sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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HCWs
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|
1st Dose
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|
1,03,83,998
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2nd Dose
|
|
95,09,164
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|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,79,363
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,65,20,117
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Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
46,11,59,223
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2nd Dose
|
|
23,00,04,760
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18,53,50,013
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
12,22,12,176
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Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
11,60,67,930
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
8,00,32,771
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|
Total
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|
1,24,96,19,515
The recovery of 8,548patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,40,37,054.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.35%.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 158 consecutive days now.
9,765 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload presentlystands at 99,763.Active cases constitute 0.29% of the country's total Positive Cases, which is lowest since March 2020.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of
10,98,611tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 64.35 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 0.85% remains less than 1% for the last 18 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be0.89%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below2% for last 59 days and below 3% for 94 consecutive days now.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to Tsunami in Indonesia
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to Tsunami after the eruption of a volcano in Indonesia.
“Saddened by the loss of lives and destruction in Indonesia caused by the Tsunami after the eruption of a volcano. Condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured an early recovery. India is ready to assist our maritime neighbour and friend in relief work”, the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at Bhopal
The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation  at Bhopal as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The estimated cumulative cost of the project is Rs. 179.54 crore in first three years. This includes non-recurring expenditure of Rs. 128.54 crore and recurring expenditure of Rs. 51 crore.
The Union Cabinet has also approved the proposal to create three Joint Secretary level posts, which include one post of Director of the Institute and two posts of Professors.
The main objectives of the NIMHR are to provide rehabilitation services to the persons with mental illness, capacity development in the area of mental health rehabilitation, policy framing and advanced research in mental health rehabilitation.
The Institute will have nine Departments/Centres and will conduct 12 courses to offer diploma, certificate, graduate, post graduate, M.Phil degrees in the area of mental health rehabilitation. Within a span of 5 years, the student intake of the institute in various courses is expected to be over 400.
Government of Madhya Pradesh has allocated 5 acres of land in Bhopal for setting up of this Institute. The Institute will be established in three years in two phases. Within two years, the civil and electrical work of the institute will be completed. Simultaneously, during the construction of building, the Institute will run in a suitable rented building in Bhopal to conduct certificate/diploma courses and also OPD services. Subsequently, the Institute will provide complete set of rehabilitation services for persons with mental illness and conduct courses upto Master's degree and M.Phil.
NIMHR will be the first of its kind in the country in the area of mental health rehabilitation. It will serve as an institution of excellence to develop capacity building in the area of mental health rehabilitation and also help the Government to develop models for effective rehabilitation of persons with mental illness.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the demise of Prof S Tiken Singh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of Prof S Tiken Singh.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said :
"Saddened by the demise of Prof. S Tiken Singh, President of @BJP4Manipur. He will be remembered as a hardworking Karyakarta who strengthened the Party in Manipur. He was active in many social service initiatives. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Defence
Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards to Army on Republic Day 2020
List of Army personnel awarded for their gallantry and distinguished service on the occasion of Republic Day 2020 is enclosed. You are requested to publish the name and awards of the awardees suitably. Following documents are attached :-
 Summary of gallantry and distinguished service awards to Army personnel on the occasion of 26 Jan 2020.
 List of all gallantry and distinguished service awardees.
 Citation of Shaurya Chakra Awardees
 Photographs of Shaurya Chakra Awardees
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Exports from SEZs achieve USD 100 Billion mark
Services sector shows 23.69% growth in Rupee terms
Number of operational SEZs grow to 241
The Special Economic Zones  continue to take the lead in expanding the exports for the country. Even in the midst of volatile global economy, SEZs in India have shown resilience and have achieved 100-billion-dollar worth of exports in FY 2019-20,as on 17thFebruary 2020. It may be mentioned that SEZs achieved this land-mark of 100-billion-dollar worth of exports in 2018-19 in full financial year. A comparison of FY 2019-20 vs. 2018-19 upto February 17th is given below:
Exports in INR Terms 
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Export Segment
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|
FY 2019-20 
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|
FY 2018-19 
|
|
Growth in Export Value 
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|
Growth in Export Value 
|
|
Merchandise
|
|
2,97,557
|
|
2,86,553
|
|
11,004
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|
3.84%
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|
Services
|
|
4,04,264
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|
3,26,825
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|
77,439
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|
23.69%
|
|
|
|
7,01,821
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|
6,13,378
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|
88,443
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|
14.42%
Exports in USD Terms 
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|
Export Segment
|
|
FY 2019-20 
|
|
FY 2018-19 
|
|
Growth in Export Value 
|
|
Growth in Export Value 
|
|
Merchandise
|
|
42,702
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|
41,471
|
|
1,231
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|
2.97%
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|
Services
|
|
57,891
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|
47,217
|
|
10,674
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|
22.61%
|
|
|
|
1,00,593
|
|
88,688
|
|
11,906
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|
13.42%
It is observed that while the services segment, constituting majorly of IT &ITeS services was driver of the export growth at 23.69 %.Therewas almost 4% growth in manufacturing segment also. This reflects overall expansion and interest in SEZs in the country.Numberof operational SEZs have grown to 241 as against 235 at the end of FY 2018-19.
Important sectors that saw healthy growth in this financial year include Gems & Jewelry , Trading & Logistics , Leather & Footwear , Non-Conventional Energy , Textiles & Garments . Petrochemicals constitute a major segment of SEZ exports, howevergrowth was muted in this segment; which may be attributed to softening of global crude prices.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Stand of Government on appointment of judges
In order to replace the Collegium system of appointments of Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts with a more broad-based, transparent, accountable appointment mechanism and to bringgreater objectivity in the system, the Government brought into operation the Constitution  Act, 2014 and the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014 w.e.f. 13.04.2015. However, both the Acts were challenged in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court vide Judgment dated 16.10.2015declared both the Acts as unconstitutional and void. The Collegium system as existing prior to the enforcement of the Constitution  Act, 2014 was declared to be operative.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court vide order dated 16.12.2015 directed the Government to finalize the existing MoP by supplementing it in consultation with the Supreme Court Collegium taking into consideration eligibility criteria, transparency, establishment of secretariat and mechanism to deal with complaints.
The Government of India after due deliberations, proposed changes in the existing MoP and the draft MoP were sent to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India vide letter dated 22.03.2016. The response of the Chief Justice of India thereon was received on 25.05.2016 and 01.07.2016. The views of the Government were conveyed to the Chief Justice of India on 03.08.2016. The inputs on the MoP of the Supreme Court Collegium was received from Chief Justice of India vide letter dated 13.03.2017.The Department of Justice has conveyed the stand of the Government vide letter dated 11.07.2017 of Secretary  to Secretary General, Supreme Court of India. The MoP is under finalization by the Government in consultation with the Supreme Court Collegium.
This information was given by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister, Ministry of Law and Justice, in Rajya Sabha today.